FluMist: A Painless Option to the Annual Flu Shot

The flu impacts many people each year. One of the best ways to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people older than six months get vaccinated against influenza. Two types of vaccines exist. One type is the flu shot vaccine and the other type is the nasal spray flu vaccine called FluMist.

Know Your Options

The traditional flu shot is made with an inactivated or killed virus, which stimulates the body’s immune system to fight off the flu.
The FluMist vaccine, on the other hand, is made with a modified live virus. The body builds up immunity as the virus reproduces in the nasal passages.

A Choice for Healthy People

FluMist was developed with healthy adults and children in mind. It is safe and effective for healthy people aged 2-49 years old.

FluMist is not recommended for:

Adults aged 50 years and older

Children younger than 24 months

Children aged less than 5 years who have asthma or episodes of wheezing in the last year

Be Prepared

Ask your doctor which vaccine is best for you and your loved ones. Don’t wait until the flu is in high gear! Make the move to protect yourself. Remember that it takes about two weeks for the FluMist to protect your body. But the vaccine will last for about a year.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.